The dilemma facing Townsville is one that has already been faced by many Australian coastal communities. Is the development of our shores an inevitable part of 'progress' or is there a different path to the future?

‘Failure’ is the theme for this month’s blog-writing project, 500 Words. Throughout September, I'm asking my colleagues to reveal their most epic fails on the job, and share how those mistakes helped them to become better, bolder and wiser storytellers.